Injection Mold Machine Operator Jobs in California

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Injection Molding Process Technician- $25-30/hr + Differential

Job Description

The Injection Molding Process Technician sets up, operates, and optimizes injection molding machines and related equipment to produce high-quality plastic parts that meet strict specifications. This role performs mold changeovers, troubleshoots processing issues, conducts in-machine and equipment preventative maintenance, and collaborates closely with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve non-conformances. The technician also uses precision measuring tools to verify part quality and may help train other technicians on setups, startups, and troubleshooting best practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform injection molding machine setups for a wide variety of molds and machine types, ensuring parts consistently pass quality inspections.
• Ensure conformance to specifications by following tip sheets, tolerance deviations, part prints, and documented procedures.
• Set up and troubleshoot robots, part pickers, and end-of-arm tooling to support automated production.
• Mold first article parts as needed and verify they meet all dimensional and visual requirements before releasing the process to production.
• Continuously observe machine parameters during production runs, including temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times, to verify process consistency.
• Perform in-machine preventative maintenance on molds, including cleaning, greasing, and other tasks according to established protocols.
• Use precision inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, plug gauges, and scales to verify that parts meet tolerance requirements.
• Respond promptly to molding machine alarms, clear runners, and resolve processing problems and stuck-part issues to minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot and adjust molding parameters within defined tolerance limits to maintain quality standards and production output.
• Identify the root cause of molding problems and implement effective corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate closely with Quality and Engineering teams to investigate and resolve non-conforming and defective product issues.
• Perform machine and mold preventative maintenance to support reliable, consistent production.
• Train or assist in training other technicians in mold setups, machine startups, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices as needed.
• Perform production, packaging, and inspection tasks associated with the injection molding process when required.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned by management to support production goals and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in maintenance or similar work using tools and machinery related to plastic injection molding.
• Hands-on experience operating and setting up plastic injection molding machines.
• Proficiency with production, packaging, and inspection tasks in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for injection molding processes, including resolving alarms, stuck-part issues, and processing problems.
• Ability to read, understand, and communicate in English to follow documented procedures, current specifications, and complex work instructions.
• Ability to calculate ratios, unit-of-measure conversions, and surface area dimensions for machine tonnage settings.
• Solid understanding of machines and tools, including their uses and maintenance, particularly in an injection molding environment.
• Experience operating auxiliary equipment such as chillers and thermolators.
• Ability to use precision inspection tools, including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, plug gauges, and scales, to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
• Capability to lift and handle items of approximately 10 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Bilingual Preferred

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a loud, high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Comfort working on a second-shift schedule and supporting overtime as needed.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small, collaborative team.
• Willingness to cross-train on multiple machines, molds, and processes.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Proactive approach to preventative maintenance and process improvement.

Why Work Here?

You will join a small, collaborative team in a long-term role with opportunities to grow your skills and broaden your experience across multiple machines and processes. The company supports cross-training so you can expand your technical capabilities and exposure to different aspects of production, including domestic and international shipping operations. You benefit from a stable manufacturing environment, the chance to take on increasing responsibility over time, and additional compensation for working second shift.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment with loud machinery and typical industrial noise levels. The facility is not air-conditioned, so temperatures may vary with the seasons. The position is scheduled for second shift, typically from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with a shift differential for working this schedule. Daily overtime may be available as needed, but is not mandatory beyond a standard eight-hour day. The work involves frequent lifting of approximately 10 pounds and regular interaction with injection molding machines, robots, auxiliary equipment such as chillers and thermolators, and precision measuring tools.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oceanside, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Oceanside,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.